ABSA Cape Epic

The Return of The Race That Measures All

Press Release / 15.10.2021

On Sunday (17 October 2021), exactly 938 days since the chapter was closed on the 2019 Absa Cape Epic, The Race That Measures All makes a grand return.

From all over the world, 600 riders have descended on the Western Cape with one thing in mind, proving that they have what it takes to tackle the Untamed African MTB Race and etch their name into The Book of Legend when they cross the final finish line at Val de Vie Estate on Sunday, 24 October 2021.

Between the teams and a spot in history lies a route which has been dormant since the Absa Cape Epic was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. A route that has felt the full force of two, wet Western Cape winters and a scorching summer. A route that is wild and willing to stop any teams who have arrived unprepared.

To those who have arrived with fine-tuned fitness, proven partnerships and the mental fortitude to go the distance, the rewards of the 2021 Absa Cape Epic are however going to be unmatched.

Route recap:

8 days. 620 kilometres. 15 350 metres of vertical ascent. Rugged mountain dual tracks and rocky singletracks through pristine fynbos. Sandy farm road between manicured orchards. Bone-rattling descents off ancient mountain ranges. Wild and untamed. The pinnacle of mountain bike stage racing. The Race That Measures All.

Who To Watch:

The 600-rider strong field, although less than half the size of an 'under normal conditions' Absa Cape Epic field, is most definitely not short on talent and stories to write home about.

In the Elite Men's and Women's fields, there are World and National Champions; Continental Champions; UCI Marathon Series standing leaders, WorldTour racers, Olympians, and local stalwarts quivering with the excitement at the thought of taking the fight to the biggest names in the sport on their home turf.

Not to mention Absa Cape Epic newbies yet to stamp their names into the event's history, or the all-South African women's team who could, potentially, become the first South Africa women's team to win the Absa Cape Epic since 2007.

How To Watch:

Fans can tune in to the daily Live Broadcast from 08:30 GMT+2 on the Absa Cape Epic Facebook Page, YouTube channel, and/or Absa Cape Epic website.